Alexa Frey is co-founder of The Mindfulness Project. She trained at Bangor University as a mindfulness teacher in 2011, and has also completed the Mindful Self-Compassion core-skills training and the Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training. Having practised mindfulness for over 8 years, Alexa is most passionate about finding creative ways to integrate mindfulness, (self-)compassion and happiness into her clients every day lives to increase their mental and physical well-being. Alexa is also the co-author of the book 'I am here now - A creative mindfulness guide and journal' (Ebury Press), which has already been translated into 19 foreign languages. Her new book 'Into Nature: Mindful Ways to Unplug and Reconnect' is coming out in May.

What do I do best?

I think I’m pretty good at being focused on a specific topic for a while and really immersing myself into it. For a while I was extremely into kickboxing for example. I trained 5 days a week and got better pretty quickly. Another time, I really got into tidying after reading the book ‘Spark Joy’ by Marie Kondo. My current love is cold water swimming. It started in Summer with me going swimming in Hampstead Heath pond every day. As Autumn came, I refused to stop going. . I ended up staying until Winter and swimming in 3 degrees on a beautiful snowy day. One of the best days of my life.

What makes me the best version of myself?

I’m an obsessive compulsive self-improver. When I was 27 I embarked on my first meditation silent retreat and I realised how chaotic and out of control my mind was. At the same time I experienced moments of peace of mind. My self-improvement mindfulness journey had begun. Some people might say that this is a contradiction because mindfulness is not about self-improvement and yes, that’s one of the things I learned on my self-improvement journey ; )

What are my aspirations?

a.) My personal goal is to have close and nurturing human connections in my life. Through mindfulness, I have become better able to listen to the people in my life and be present with them. I remember for a while, every time I was sitting with a friend, I secretly wished them to be happy and healthy. This definitely made me feel a lot more connected and I urge everyone to give this practice a try.

b.) One reason I like working at The Mindfulness Project is that we help people live happier and more conscious lives and at the same time don’t sell another product. As humans, we are consuming too many resources and exploiting and damaging this planet. It makes me happy that The Mindfulness Project is not selling another product.

My Biggest Success?

Simply having the courage to start up a business. I am a naturally anxious person, so actually daring to follow through with it has been my greatest success. However, I could never have achieved this without the co-founder Autumn and also the great work of Emily who started working with us in our first year. We’ve been a great team - we always refer to ourselves as “the three-wheeled car racing over a bumpy road” - clearly the three of us have a very visual sense of humour!

My Most Challenging Moment?

There have been many difficult moments in my life. The majority of people come to mindfulness because they suffer in one way or another.

My Motto?

My mottos often change with my moods. However, I do tell everyone who is searching for meaning in life to listen to Tara Brach’s talks. They are true gems. www.tarabrach.com.

My Favorite People/Role Models?

I recently watched the Foo Fighters documentary and I was beyond impressed by how Dave Grohl has managed this band over the last two decades. He’s definitely no people pleaser, but he’s a man who trusts himself and has stayed true to his values. Respect!

My role models are people who have been through hell and back in life. Drug addicts, homeless people or very poor or also very rich people who suffer from mental health or physical health problems and get up every day, trying to be ok. What heroes!

My Favorite Places/Destinations?

My favourite place in the whole wide world is Alaska. I love the rough Northern landscape with its beautiful trees, massive lakes and beautiful animals such as the Grizzly bear, deers, bees, squirrels and many more. One day I’ll spend a whole summer in a log cabin up there.

My Favorite Products/Objects?

As mentioned above, I am not a big fan of products. There’s already too many on this planet. But I do love whatever nature produces: a beautiful flower, a cute cat and the smell of freshly cut grass.

My Current Passions?

Nature has been my passion for quite some time now. I can’t wait for Spring when the trees will grow leaves once more. When the bees and butterflies come out and the days will grow longer. In line with that, I’m also excited for our second book to come out in May called: “Into Nature: Mindful Ways to unplug and reconnect”.